Maui’s Hanawana Bridge Repair Complete

The Hanawana Bridge replacement is now complete. Photo courtesy Maui Public Works.

By Wendy Osher

The Maui Department of Public Works completed emergency repairs at the Hanawana Land Bridge in East Maui after severe rains washed out a portion of the road on March 9.

The damages effectively cut off transit for an estimated 40 residents living in the valley below just before Kailua on the makai side of the Hana Highway.

County crews agreed to fix the road as state officials worked to find funding and the Governor signed a supplementary disaster declaration.

Repairs began on March 27 and were completed this week, enabling residents to once again drive in and out of the area with their vehicles.

“I am pleased that the repairs have been completed.  I commend everyone involved in making sure this project was expedited quickly,” said Senator J. Kalani English, who represents District 6, encompassing the areas of Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, and Kaho‘olawe.

The Hanawana Land Bridge was built about 100 years ago off Hana Highway.

Part of it collapsed about 100 feet into a river during the severe weather in March.

“With the bridge being fixed, residents can now continue on with their lives without interruption,” said Sen. English. “This brings much relief for many of the residents.”

Hanawana Bridge. Photo courtesy Public Works, County of Maui.

Hanawana Bridge. Photo courtesy Public Works, County of Maui.